THE WORLD’S CHANGED. Technology now enables us to do so much more, but we can’t forget what it is that inspires us to explore. Whilst celebrating how wonderful technology is, it’s also good to lift your eyes away from the screen and truly get under the skin of a place, seeing it through the eyes of a local. ENCOURAGING CONVERSATIONS, AND DISCOVERING WHERE THEY WILL TAKE YOU. Our sixth instalment takes you to the bustling, culture rich city Tokyo. Experience our own recommendations, whilst starting the conversation and discovering your own favourite hot spots. Japan HND Japanese JPY +81 Where’s the best place to grab a bowl of Ramen… In the quieter area of Shinjuku, wander through Golden Gai to Nagi, a tiny noodle bar – look for the sign with the red circle. The house speciality is niboshi rāmen, egg noodles in a sardine-flavoured broth, and there’s 01 almost always a wait, but it’s definitely worth it. 2nd floor, Golden Gai G2 1-1-10 Kabukicho Shinjuk-ku Shinjuku – Marunouchi, Fukutoshin & Shinjuku lines Where’s the best place to go for a leisurely stroll… Head to Yoyogi Park and take a stroll through the towering trees towards the iconic Meiji Jingū, Tokyo’s grandest Shintō shrine. Ask a passer-by where they think is the best place to pick up a bag of Konpeito, beautifully 02 crafted Japanese rock candy. Yoyogi Park Shibuya-ku Harajuku – JR Yamanote line Where’s the best place to grab gyoza… Head to Harajuku Gyōza-rō to feast on the best gyoza you’ll ever taste. They’re pretty much the only thing on the menu here, but they’re so good that one visit is never enough. Ask the person next to you what their 03 favourite shop in Harajuku is, then head there to check it out. 6-4-2 Jingumae Shibuya-ku Harajuku – JR Yamanote line Where’s the best place to go to browse for records… Head to Next Records in Shibuya – they have an unbeatable collection of albums and with 10,000 records stocked at a time, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Ask someone who works in the shop where the best place to see 04 live music is, then head there that evening. 2F, 11-11 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku Shibuya-ku Shibuya – Fukutoshin, Ginza & Hanzoman lines Where’s the best place to watch a sumo match… Sumo tournaments are usually only held during odd-numbered months, so if you’re headed to Tokyo in one of those six months head to Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium. Or, if you’re visiting in an even-numbered month, ask a passer-by in Ryogoku where the nearest Sumo Stable is, then head 05 there to watch the wrestlers train. 1-3-28 Yokoduna Sumida-ku Ryogo-ku Ryogoku – Oedo line Where’s the best place to absorb Tokyo’s quirky culture… For a taste of Tokyo’s weird and wonderful culture, without the crowds, head to Shimokitazawa (Shimokita for short). Expect to find an array of bars, restaurants, shops and theatres among the labyrinth of quirky streets. Ask someone where their favourite place nearby is to shop for 06 vintage clothing, then head there. Shimokitazawa Setagaya Shimo-kitazawa – Odakyu and Keio-Inokashira lines Where’s the best place to eat sushi… Famed for its tuna auctions at the crack of dawn and the world’s freshest sushi, head to Tsujiki Market to sample the best sushi you’ll ever taste. The market is bursting with restaurants, but our favourite is Daiwa – head there for brunch. Ask your waiter what delicacy they’d recommend tasting 07 from the market’s street food stalls, then grab some. Inner market, Bldg 6, 5-2-1 Tsujiki Tsujiki – Hibiya Line Where’s the best place to immerse yourself in the Anime culture… The dream-like atmosphere at the Ghibli Museum (pronounced ‘jiburi’) should be at the top of your list if you’re an anime fan. Designed by master animator Miyazaki Hayao, you’ll find original sketches and short 08 films around the museum. Ask someone working at the museum what their favourite hidden Tokyo gem is, then head there. 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku Mitaka Kitchijoji – JR chuo line Where’s the best place to go for nightlife… A total contrast to the bustle and bright lights of Shinjuku, Golden Gai is made up of 6 dimly lit, graffiti decorated streets, with over 200 bars dotted along the narrow pathways, with a real feel of old Tokyo. The bars are tiny, seating just a few people, but it’s the perfect place to people watch. Ask the person next to you which their favourite bar is, then order 09 a drink there. 1 Chome Kabukicho Shinjuku-ku Shinjuku – Marunouchi, Fukutoshin & Shinjuku lines Where’s the best place to grab a cup of coffee… Tokyo is full of incredible coffee shops and cafes, but our favourite is Lattest Omotesando. Situated in an off-beat corner of Shibuya, they’re famed for their coffee, particularly their espressos – we suggest venturing there before taking in the wonderful chaos of Shibuya. Ask your barista 10 where their favourite park is nearby, then head there. 3-5-2 Jingumae Shibuya-ku Shibuya – Fukutoshin, Ginza & Hanzoman lines Where’s the best place to shop Japan’s designers… It’s one of the world’s chicest cities, but our favourite place to shop for high-end Japanese fashion is Colour by Numbers, with an 80s meets the 00s ambience – think marble interiors and fluorescent lighting. It’s the best place to peruse the latest offerings from Japan’s indie designers. Ask 11 the cashier where their favourite art gallery is, then head there. 20-23 Daikanyamacho Shibuya-ku Shibuya – Fukutoshin, Ginza & Hanzoman lines Where’s the best place to sample green tea ice cream… Matcha tea is having a bit of a moment but the Japanese have truly mastered turning it into dessert form. Matcha ice cream is refreshingly delicious and we recommend heading to Suzukien x Nanaya in Asakusa for the best scoop in Tokyo – it’s been certified as having the world’s highest matcha content. Ask your server where the best place is to buy some 12 matcha to take home. Suzukien Asakusa Asakusa Asakusa- Ginza, Asakusa & Tobu Skytree lines Where’s the best experiential dining experience… Tokyo is famed for some of the freshest fish in the world, but head to Zauo and you can eat fresh fish you’ve just caught yourself. You’re given a rod, bait and a choice of fish to try and catch in one of the restaurant’s pools, before the chef prepares your catch for you to eat in whichever way you’d like – sashimi, sushi, fried – the list goes on. Ask your waiter where 13 their favourite karaoke bar is, then head there. High Manten Jinnan Building B1F Shibuya-ku Shibuya – Fukutoshin, Ginza & Hanzoman lines Where’s the best tofu restaurant… One of Japan’s most traditional foods is given a modern twist at Sorano, a restaurant exclusively dedicated to tofu and soy based dishes. The menu ranges from boxes of tofu freshly cooked at your table to a tofu matcha cake for dessert – if you love tofu; this is the place to go to. Ask your waiter where the best place is to find some inner-city zen, then head 14 there. 4-17 Sakuragaokacho Shibuya-ku Shibuya – Fukutoshin, Ginza & Hanzoman lines Where’s the best place to get a manicure… Taking nail art to a whole new level (when in Tokyo after all) Disco Nails in Shibuya is arguably the best place in Japan to have intricate illustrations painted on your nails. Think designs inspired by the catwalk and the craziness of Tokyo – you’ll be seriously impressed by the level of skill involved. Ask your technician where to grab the best mochi (a delicious 15 sweet treat), then head there. 3F, 1-14-9 Jinnan Shibuya-ku Shibuya – Fukutoshin, Ginza & Hanzoman lines Where’s the best place to grab a cocktail… Refining the tasting menu, Gen Yamamoto’s expertly created cocktails are delicious individually but incredible when served as a set menu as either four or six drinks. The menu changes almost constantly depending on what ingredients are in season, with every detail explained to you by Gen himself. Ask him to make you a cocktail based around a flavour you love – 16 you won’t regret. 1-6-4 Azabu-Juban Minato-ku Azabu-Juban – Namboku & Oedo lines Where’s the best department store… To shop for anything from homeware to stationery (two things that Japan does seriously well) head to Tokyo Hands – the ultimate department store spread out over an astounding 24 floors. Ask someone in the store where 17 the best place is to go for a bike ride, then head there. Times Square Building 2-8F, 5-24-2 Sendagaya Shibuya-ku Shibuya – Fukutoshin, Ginza & Hanzoman lines What’s the most bizarre yet unmissable experience… Tokyo’s robot restaurant cabaret show is arguably one of the most wonderfully weird experiences that you definitely shouldn’t miss. Situated in Shinjuku’s red light district, each show is about an hour long and features an array of flashing lights, oversized pandas and robots – it’s quite a sight to behold. 18 1-7-1 Kabukicho Shinjuku-ku Shinjuku Station – Marunouchi, Fukutoshin & Shinjuku lines Where’s the best place to pick up souvenirs… Head to Asakusa, stopping off to awe at Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, before heading down Nakamise Dori, a long shopping street famed for its souvenirs, such as lucky bamboo rakes.